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A brief history: Nashville Predators

by
Michael Stainkamp
/ NHL.com

The Nashville Predators joined the NHL in 1998, as part of NHL expansion. The city of Nashville was awarded a team along with Atlanta, Minnesota and Columbus. Because they were the only team with a complete arena, Nashville began play the earliest.

The team name was chosen by the fans out of a selection of four choices that had been narrowed down from an original group of 75. The four choices were Ice Tigers, Attack, Fury and Predators. The team name was revealed on Nov. 13, 1997.

The team only won 28 games in each of its first two seasons, but improved to 34 wins the following season, coming up 10 points short of a playoff appearance.

During the 2001-02 season, the Predators recorded their 100th franchise victory, becoming the second fastest expansion franchise of the 1990s to reach the 100-win mark.

Two seasons later, the Predators made their first playoff appearance, but were knocked out in six games by the Red Wings in the first round.

The 2005-06 season started off very well for Nashville. The Predators won their first eight games, the best mark to start a season since the Maple Leafs went 10-0 in 1993. At season's end, they finished with 106 points, the first time in franchise history breaking the 100-point mark.

The Predators were busy this offseason, bringing in what they hope to be key parts for them to make another run to the Cup Final. Lead by new captain Shea Webber, the Predators are hungry for some post season action.